The burden of the day still hung over Rowland as he left the Jones Company building. His thoughts were not much calmed by the cool evening air. He walked carefully to his sleek black taxi, a car as modest as his manner. .He was going to a large estate on the outskirts of the city, his home. The mansion of the Fence family, which was surrounded by well-kept gardens and stately oak trees, was a reminder of the strength and legacy that his father, Mr. Fence, had accumulated over many years.The double doors opened as Rowland got closer to the grand entrance, revealing Mr. Fence. His face was already filled with a warm smile."Rowland," his father said with a friendly greeting, holding out a hand that Rowland firmly grasped before entering."Father," Rowland answered in a dignified but calm voice.Together, they entered the study, a space filled with bookshelves and decorated with pictures of their families. Mr. Fence took a seat in a leather armchair after pouring them each a drink from

Khalid's authoritative voice reverberated throughout the lobby, adding to the tense atmosphere. Everyone turned to look at him as they froze. Khalid, wearing a spotless black suit, had a commanding presence. Standing behind him was Rowland, who had a composed yet firm face.After scanning the crowd, Khalid's sharp eyes settled on Amaya, who appeared both surprised and irritated."Good morning, everybody," Khalid said without faltering, but with a warning tone. "I hope everyone is aware of this company's hierarchy. Whenever Mr. Rowland issues an order, it must be followed. Lilly will resume her duties immediately, as instructed by him."Amaya regained her composure, folding her arms across her chest. "Khalid," she said, her voice filled with disbelief, "you can not be serious. The vice president personally dismissed this woman. Are you saying Rowland, a mere project manager, can overturn Mr. Clinton's decision? That is ridiculous!"Khalid raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a fain

Rowland's office was a mess, a far cry from its usual orderly condition. With a twisted expression of disbelief and frustration, he paced back and forth. He muttered to himself while running his hand through his hair."Where might it be? Rowland said, his voice shaking, "I left it right here.” After pulling open one drawer after another, he discovered the same ordinary files and office supplies that had nothing to do with his missing designs.Nothing contained the innovative jewelry design he had been working on for months, not even his desk, bookshelf, or the little safe he scarcely used. The design he was confident the investors would enjoy.As the seconds passed, he became increasingly aware of the gravity of the situation. In anticipation of reviewing designs for the upcoming jewelry line, the company's top investors were scheduled to arrive at any moment. According to the Jones family, this was a make-or-break presentation, and Rowland was done without his design."They will hav

Rowland walked calmly out of the Jones Company, but a rush of satisfaction heated him as he stepped into the cool autumn air. The triumph was profoundly personal in addition to being professional. He had spent years as an underdog, a gifted person buried under the controlling thumb of the Joneses, who continuously discounted his value and stifled his creativity. But now it was the other way around.Although it was a quiet ride home in the taxi, Rowland's thoughts kept replaying the conference room scene. A memory he would cherish for a long time was the expression on Mr. and Mrs. Jones's faces when the investors unanimously endorsed his designs. He could still taste the sweet taste of poetic justice, their self-assured exteriors crumbling into desperation.The taxi driver's car was parked in front of the modest Fence family home, the sprawling mansions that warmly welcomed Rowland anytime he arrived. The lights in the living room spilled their warm glow onto the driveway from inside

Gini Benson stood close to the company's entrance, her heart racing with excitement. As she waited for Rowland to arrive, her eyes darted to the main door every few seconds. She had carefully examined his schedule: he consistently arrived at 9:15 a.m. and departed at 5:30 p.m. She needed every aspect of her plan to go perfectly because today would be no different.Amaya's leather bag fit comfortably in her large tote, its weight serving as a continual reminder of the work at hand. Gini's thoughts were racing with a mix of doubt and ambition. For a moment she considered that she could still back out. However, the promise of a position on the top management board overcame her reluctance. This was her opportunity to prove herself and take ownership of a future she had only dared to imagine.The company's glass doors opened at precisely 9:15 a.m., and Rowland entered with his customary demeanor of subdued authority. With his briefcase securely grasped in one hand, he wore a perfectly fi